That means second-year cornerback Jonte Green will get his second start in a row. This week he'll man the right cornerback spot for Mathis. The Lions are moving second-year cornerback Bill Bentley from his nickel slot position to the left cornerback spot in place of Houston.

Expect safety Don Carey to play the slot cornerback position in the nickel, which he’s done at times this year.

As a result, the Lions have rookie Darius Slay active for the game, despite his doubtful status on Friday’s injury report coming off arthroscopic knee surgery a few weeks ago. Slay will probably only play, however, in an extreme emergency.